Wine Tasting & Cooking Classes
The Dourakis Winery and Restaurant
A Culinary workshop that combines the best of everything: A cooking class, wine pairing, wine tasting, a tour of the winery, lunch, and cretan culture.
The Dourakis Winery
The wonderful family run, award winning Dourakis Winery is not just for wine enthusiasts, it offers something for everyone. Located in the foothills of The White Mountains, near Vrysses. The winery was built by the amiable owner, Andreas, on land that was passed down to him by his father who had always grown grapes on this land. Andreas designed the winery himself and built it using local stone, pine and cypress. Proud to be the greenest winery on Crete, the Dourakis winery is solar powered, and the grapes are organic. The winery is now run by Andreas and Eleni’s animal loving adult children, Evie and Antonis, who are ably assisted by some of their pets who they have kindly rescued from the roadside!
Book a visit to the winery to experience first-hand the magical atmosphere of the valley, nibble on the sweetest and ripest grapes and taste the best wines. Perfect for a family trip, your anniversary, or any social event: https://dourakiswinery.gr/experiences/
Guests can stroll through the botanical garden filled with Cretan herbs. Learn the winemaking process as wine hosts guide guests through cool cellars that are beneath the main building, as well as the labyrinth of rooms such as the sparkling wine room, barrel room, storeroom, and the production area, while telling some of their winemaking secrets. Taste the delicious wines in the courtyard or indoors by the winemaking and folklore museum which has many of the old implements which have been used for farming over the years by Andreas’ ancestors. These include a winding grape press, a donkey saddle and wicker panniers, a corn thresher, a plough that was attached to horses (used by Andreas when he was younger), and an old weaving loom.
The Dourakis Winery is open all year long for wine tastings strictly by appointment. Nevertheless, the winery officially opens its doors for tours starting April 15th.
The wine tasting terrace is open daily from 11:00 until 17:00 from April 15th till April 30th.
November hours 11:00-17:00 for the tasting terrace by appointment!
May 1st till the end of October, the winery and restaurant are both open 11:00 till 19:00.
Daily tours start promptly at 12:00, 14:00 and 16.30. Reservations are stongly recommended. Large groups can be accommodated by prior arrangement.
Signature Tasting. Enjoy the 5 most popular Dourakis wines in the rustic garden courtyard accompanied by traditional Cretan rusks and olives from the winery’s olive groves.
Connoisseur Tasting. Taste 8 of the best and limited-edition wines in this premium tasting option.
Vino Sanctum. The Monastery Table Conversations. Immerse yourself in the essence of Greek wine culture, surrounded by the ancient walls of the cellar, as guests connect with fellow enthusiasts in small, exclusive groups of up to 10 guests. Revel in the camaraderie of shared passions and discoveries, as lasting memories are created in the heart of the Dourakis winery. For most of the year, when the weather is lovely, guests will sit outside on the shaded tasting terrace to eat and drink. In the low season, when the weather is occasionally inclement, guests can relax in the restaurant. The furniture is handmade and carved with traditional Cretan symbols by Giorgos Nikiforakis in the nearby village of Pemonia. The restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients, many of which are produced at the winery, including the cheeses and yoghurt which are homemade, the eggs that are freshly laid, and the vegetables which are home grown. The menu can be seen here: https://dourakiswinery.gr/restaurant/
Food lovers and cooking enthusiasts are invited to a culinary adventure that combines the best of Cretan cuisine, wine, and culture. This 4-hour hands-on workshop is designed to immerse you in the flavours, traditions, and hospitality of the island:
In the Dourakis kitchen, guests will be taught by skilled chefs how to lovingly prepare several Cretan delicacies like Sfakiani pita, moustalveria, and Chaniotiko boureki, using only the freshest local ingredients.
Savor a selection of the award-winning finest wines, each a masterpiece of winemaking expertise. Let the flavours dance on your palate as you explore the harmonious pairings of wine and food.
Embark on a captivating journey through the vineyards and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. Gain insights into the winemaking process, from grape to bottle, and witness the Dourakis commitment to sustainable practices.
Sit down to a sumptuous lunch featuring the dishes you've prepared, accompanied by a selection of Dourakis wines, and discover the secrets that make Cretan cuisine so special.
For further information, or to book an experience or meal at The Dourakis Winery please click on the following link: https://dourakiswinery.gr/experiences/
